Beavers asked to make healthy life pledge during Civil War competition

11/15/2011

CORVALLIS, Ore. – There are plenty of ways to act out the rivalry between Oregon State University and the University of Oregon, especially during the Civil War game, scheduled this year for Nov. 26 in Eugene.

But this year, Beavers and Ducks will have a way to engage in a little healthy competition that could lead to some very healthy habits.

PacificSource Health Plans has sponsored “Healthy Life” programs at both universities, and is launching the inaugural PacificSource Health Life Pledge Week Challenge during the week before the Civil War game. Beavers and Ducks are asked to sign a pledge to lead a healthier lifestyle, and commit to one or more of the following activities:

Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day;

Eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day;

Go smoke- or tobacco-free;

Reduce your stress by getting eight hours of sleep or take time in your day to practice deep breathing or other relaxation techniques.

Lisa Hoogesteger, director of Healthy Campus Initiatives at OSU, said the competition gives students, faculty and staff at OSU the chance to focus on attainable goals to make their lives better.

“We all promise ourselves we’re going to make the changes that make a positive difference in our lives,” Hoogesteger said. “By participating in the Pledge Week Challenge, we make a commitment to trying out one of those changes, and indulge in a little healthy competition at the same time.”

Each participant who makes a pledge will automatically be entered in a raffle for a free iPad. Participants will also be able to select a local non-profit to pledge on behalf of, and PacificSource will make donations to that organization. For Benton County, participants can choose between Linn Benton Food Share and United Way of Benton and Lincoln County. PacificSource will donate at least $2,500 to each organization, with anything above that being determined by pledges from participants.

The university with the most pledges will be notified on Nov. 26, and will be presented with a trophy. Results will be posted on HealthyLifeChallenge.org.

In 2012, PacificSource will launch a series of online social challenges to give UO and OSU students, staff, faculty as well as the community at large a chance to continue their commitment to living a healthier life. Ongoing charitable giving opportunities will also be available throughout the year.